§ 112. Mr. Errollasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps he is taking to reduce the staff of the Air Member for Supply and Organisation which increased from 2,052 in 1951–52 to 2,417 in 1952–53.
Mr. WardThe figures quoted by my hon. Friend are forecasts prepared for Estimates purposes. The numbers actually employed were 2,081 on 1st April, 1951, 2,404 on 1st April, 1952, and 2,537 on 1st November, 1952.
The defence programme has resulted in a greatly increased load of work 62W throughout the Air Ministry, much of which falls on the department of the Air Member for Supply and Organisation. My noble Friend is satisfied that the number of staff employed is not more than is warranted by the vital work that has to be done.